At the Center for Mindful Psychotherapy, we frequently encounter a profound, often hidden struggle among our most accomplished clients. They arrive successful, driven, and outwardly capable, yet internally they are battling a persistent, debilitating sense of anxiety, exhaustion, or a feeling that they must constantly strive to justify their own existence. This state is not a moral failing or a...[ read more ]
You wake up to news of another ICE raid in your community. Immediately, different parts of you spring into action: one part wants to drop everything and join the protest, another part reminds you of the work deadline that can't be missed, while yet another part just wants to turn off the phone and hide under the covers. By noon,...[ read more ]
As Pride flags flutter in the warm June breeze and rainbow crosswalks gleam under the California sun, many in our LGBTQ+ community find themselves holding a complex mix of emotions. Joy and grief. Celebration and vigilance. Progress and setback. Community and isolation. These tensions aren't contradictions to resolve; they're multiplicities to honor. Pride month invites us into the fullness of...[ read more ]
This film review comes from associate therapist Elizabeth Dausch. Elizabeth recently shared more about Internal Family Systems, one of the primary modalities that she utilizes in her work. You can also learn more about Elizabeth from our Conversations with Clinicians Interview. The Inside Out 2 emotions are sneaky good at holding up a mirror and helping us learn about ourselves....[ read more ]
This month, our featured associate is Elizabeth Dausch. One of her primary modalities is Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), and in this blog, she offers an insightful introduction to how it works and why it matters. You can also learn more about Elizabeth from our Conversations with Clinicians Interview. As a therapist, I’m continually struck by how many tools and...[ read more ]
Emotional boundaries are often the most subtle—and most essential—part of maintaining healthy open or polyamorous relationships. While physical boundaries (like time, touch, or space) are more tangible, emotional boundaries define your inner world: your values, your energy, your self-respect, and your emotional safety. In polyamorous dynamics, it’s easy for emotional boundaries to blur. You may feel pulled between multiple people’s...[ read more ]
Jealousy is one of the most emotionally charged topics in relationships. It’s a word that can stir up shame, fear, defensiveness, or guilt—especially in polyamorous and non-monogamous dynamics, where freedom and trust are central values. Many people believe that if they were truly "evolved" or "secure," they wouldn’t feel jealous at all. But that’s not how emotions work—and it’s not...[ read more ]
For many people, the path to understanding their relationship orientation isn’t linear. You might be in a monogamous relationship but find yourself wondering about other possibilities. Or maybe you've always felt that monogamy doesn't quite fit—but you’re unsure whether that means you’re polyamorous, simply open to exploration, or somewhere else on the spectrum. It’s common to feel uncertainty, curiosity, even...[ read more ]
Growing up in a household with alcohol or substance abuse can leave deep emotional imprints. As an Adult Child of an Alcoholic (ACoA), you may carry patterns that once helped you survive but now create challenges in your relationships, career, and self-esteem. Recognizing these traits is the first step. Navigating them with self-compassion is how healing begins. Browse our...[ read more ]
When you’re stuck in a cycle of compulsive behavior—whether it’s endless scrolling, substance use, overworking, or people-pleasing—it’s easy to label the problem as addiction. But what if addiction is only part of the story? Compulsive behaviors often have complex roots, including burnout, trauma, and underlying mental health struggles. In a city like San Francisco, where high-pressure careers collide with a...[ read more ]